DURHAM, NC- Livingstone College football battled until the very end Saturday afternoon, but the Blue Bears suffered a heartbreaking 28-27 overtime loss to Shaw University.
Livingstone struck first in the opening quarter when
Javen Parker powered his way into the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Blue Bears an early 7-0 advantage.
Shaw responded with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Alexander Marsh to Cobie Bates in the second quarter, but Livingstone regained momentum before halftime.
Jason Zapata connected on a 44-yard field goal to send the Blue Bears into the break with a 10-6 lead.
The third quarter featured a back-and-forth battle. Shaw took a 12-10 lead on a 3-yard touchdown run by Trey Thorpe, but Livingstone quickly answered when Tikey Hayes broke loose for a spectacular 55-yard touchdown run. Zapata's extra point pushed the Blue Bears back in front, 17-12.
Shaw answered with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jerry Eaton, followed by a successful two-point conversion, putting the Bears ahead 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter.
Livingstone continued to fight and tied the game at 20-20 with 8:37 remaining when Zapata drilled a 41-yard field goal, sending the contest into overtime.
In overtime, Livingstone took the first opportunity to score.
Maliq Staten capped the Blue Bears' possession with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Zapata's extra point gave Livingstone a 27-20 advantage.
Shaw, however, answered with a touchdown and the game-winning extra point to complete the comeback and take the win.
Livingstone will return home on Saturday, October 3 for STONECOMING when the Blue Bears host Fayetteville State University at 1 p.m.
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